Your Record Store Day release Das Versions revisits tracks as remixes from your last two releases. How do these new versions reshape the sounds and energy of the originals?
The new versions on this release are a little more “club-ready”. The Motion Control dub and the Wallace remix of Freedom were created with DJs in mind, tracks that can be plugged into a set and played on a big sound system.
This RSD EP collaboration is between UK based Rhythm Section International, and Beats of No Nation. How did this collaboration come about and what does it mean to be working with labels from the UK
We are lucky that the BONN and RSI label bosses have previously played shows together and have become friends over the years. Rhythm Section wanted to release something unique for Record Store Day, not just the latest EP, so they reached out to BONN to see what they could put together. It was really fun to work on one of our original tracks while having our latest single alongside it.
Working with Rhythm Section has been unreal. They were right at the top of our list for dream labels, and here we are. Having a label in the UK (with such a loyal following), wanting to release our music still feels mindblowing
You’ve been described as bringing ‘Madchester’ spirit from the ‘Opposite side of the globe’. What was it like when you realised that your sound was resonating with listeners in the UK as well as Australia.
When we first started playing in Bris, people compared us a lot to bands within the “Madchester” scene. We never aimed to sound the same; we just came to the same natural conclusion. It was cool to hear locals compare us to these mega bands from the scene. Then we had some outreach from the UK, especially Ruf Dug, comparing us to the same bands, which was crazy to hear as he was a part of that era. He loved our music, wanted to hear more, and it just grew from there.
The love we have received from people in the UK has been unbelievable, and we hope to get over there soon to play some shows. It would be a dream to record over there, too.
Independent stores are such a great way for new discovery of music. What’s one record you remember coming across in an independent store that perhaps influenced your music?
Shan: My copy of Birth/Earth by Fascinator. One of my favourite ever releases that I was able to get on vinyl locally. It can’t be streamed many places now, but I always go back and listen to it. Full of breaks, super trippy guitar lines and huge synths
Michael: Admittedly, I’ve only come around to records in the last few years and started my collection by supporting Nabihah Iqbal and her release DREAMER when she was last in Aus. Many more to come
Alex: Digging through dollar bins as a young wanna-be deejay and coming across The Avalanches was a huge one for me. They are one of the greats!
Your tracks often create a hazy, psychedelic, trance-like atmosphere that works just as well on a dancefloor as it does through headphones. When you’re writing, do you imagine the music being experienced in a club, at a live show, or in a more personal setting?
Each track organically falls into its lane over time, but most come from a very personal setting. Sitting in a small room, headphones only, cat on the keyboard. We have a few tracks that are made for big sound systems or outdoor experiences, but we rarely set out to make a song for a specific experience from the get-go. Making some straight-up club bangers do be sounding pretty tasty though, as dubbing out Motion Control was super fun. Maybe we should do a house EP?
When fans line up early on Record Store Day to grab themselves a copy of Das Versions, what journey are you hoping the remixes take listeners on when they spin the record for the first time?
We chose our danciest tunes alongside the unheard remixes, so we are hoping the listener can imagine these songs being played at their favourite club or festival through a nice sound system.
Do each of you have a personal favourite record store in Brisbane, other parts of Australia and other parts of the world?
We feel like it would be rude to mention only one record store in Brisbane, as we have been customers at many and most will be supporting us on RSD! We love Echo and Bounce, Dutch Vinyl, Catalog and Monster Robot.
Vinyl listening can be a very different listening experience compared to streaming. Did you approach track sequencing differently knowing people may sit down and listen to the whole side of a record in sequence?
We want listeners to hear how our sound has developed over the years and how our tracks have been reimagined for the club. The A side of the record has our latest single with an accompanying, unheard remix. The B side has an unheard dub mix of Motion Control and a re-mastered version of Eyesight. We want the listener to experience a snippet of how we sound live, showcasing our heavier, dancier side – full of big breaks, acid lines and dub elements
If there was a record you would love to see as an exclusive release for ‘Record Store Day’ treatment, perhaps in a reissue, remix project or special pressing, what would that be for you?
Shan: The Good Sports – Mandarin Time
Michael: Total Giovanni – 2014-2015 singles combined into a special pressing
Alex: Brisbane needs updated The Rip Tides mixes
What are your plans for RSD 2026? Will you be crate digging yourselves or have any in-store events
We will hopefully be getting around to some of our Brissy favourites, crate digging before we play a show at Echo and Bounce with Beats of No Nation in the afternoon!
What’s next for Das Druid in the second half of 2026?
Looking to put together a few local gigs in BNE, and expanding down the East Coast of Aus. If it’s possible, we would also like to play some shows in the UK towards the end of the year.
